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Posted by Kelly (+2854) 13 years ago
I read in tonight's Miles City Star, they have charged three young men for the cat thrown into the bonfire out at Kinsey. According to the paper, they were actually bragging that it was really cool.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago


I'm choking on my own rage here ...
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
One would at least hope that upon sobering up, (or coming down) they'd have been as sickened as many of us are, but apparently not. The bragging is ALMOST as bad as the act... Next, the ridiculous slap on the wrist and "letter of apology" I can hardly wait.

Also can't wait for all the "remember these gentlemen have families..blah, blah, blah" Why isn't there a cynical emotion?
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
My suggestion? Tase them in the eyeballs. Repeatedly.
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Posted by Bob Netherton II (+1911) 13 years ago
How about making them clean the kitty litter at the animal shelter - every day for the rest of their lives.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
To: Colton Nielsen, Joshua Yates and Trevor Yates,

You are scum. And I hope you all receive the gift of chronic searing gas pain this holiday season. Either that, or the Zed's Pawn Shop treatment.

Your pal,

Brian Reed

P.S.) I could care less about your families. They raised scum.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Bob (deuces) wrote:
How about making them clean the kitty litter at the animal shelter - every day for the rest of their lives.

Procreate that. How about they eat the kitty litter at the animal shelter every day for the rest of their lives?
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Posted by LLE (+46) 13 years ago
I think that the court system should look at this very seriously and give each one a $10,000.00 fine and a year in jail. Anyone that can do this to an animal and then brag about it deserves it. It makes me sick.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
[This message has been edited by Josh Rath (5/29/2010)]
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 13 years ago
Colton Nielsen, Joshua Yates and Trevor Yates

Colton Nielsen, Joshua Yates and Trevor Yates

Colton Nielsen, Joshua Yates and Trevor Yates

Memo to law enforcement: Remember these names. You will be seeing them again.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
Also, here's the MCS.com post:

The Miles City Star wrote:

Three charges in cat's injuries
By Elaine Forman

Three local men were arrested for allegedly torturing a cat by throwing him in a bonfire near the Kinsey bridge in the early morning hours of Oct. 3.
According to Custer County Undersheriff Pat Roos, Colton Nielsen, 18, was arrested Tuesday night and Joshua Yates, 19, and Trevor Yates, 18, were arrested Wednesday morning.
Roos said Deputy Dave Power headed the investigation. Several tips came in after the event was publicized, and a witness came forward in the case.
Each man is being held in Custer County Jail on a $10,000 bond and charged in 16th Judicial District Court with aggravated animal cruelty by accountability, a felony.
According to court records, the three men and three women were at the Kinsey fishing access in the early hours of October 3 and started a bonfire. While drinking beer, the group could hear cats in the area.
Allegedly, Trevor picked up a nearby cat, and all three men agreed to throwing the cat into the fire.
One witness said Colton choked the cat, then walked over and threw the cat in the bonfire.
Another witness said she saw the cat thrown into the fire, and it "burst into flames."

Later that day, Tiffany Espinoza, Simon Brauwn, Marie Shackelford and James Daugherty went to the area to go fishing. Tiffany heard a cat meow and noticed him lying near the river bank.
Simon wrapped the cat in a sweatshirt, and they brought the cat to East Main Animal Clinic.
According to court records, on Oct. 15 the three men were overheard talking and laughing about throwing the cat, pictured in the Miles City Star with gruesome injuries, into a bonfire. According to a witness, they allegedly said, "Hey, did you see that cat pictured in the paper the other night? We did that. Oh, my God, it was soooo cool!"
The cat suffered serious burns to his right side, his tail, all four paws, whiskers and genital area, as well as damage to an eye. He also suffered internal injuries. After several operations, Dr. Jean Lindley removed his tail, a toe and a leg.
According to an earlier story from the Star, the injuries were so severe that the cat's insides were visible, along with tendons in his leg. At one point, it was not expected to survive, but since then its owners have been located, and the cat is recovering at home.
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Posted by Steve Craddock (+2737) 13 years ago
Let's not forget the humanitarians (feline-itarians?) in this story:

Tiffany Espinoza, Simon Brauwn, Marie Shackelford and James Daugherty and, of course, Dr. Jean Lindley.

Animals lovers everywhere salute you!
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Posted by Bob Netherton II (+1911) 13 years ago
I was just trying to be realistic about the kitty litter, Brian. My actual initial reaction would be to throw all three of the boys into the fire but I don't think a judge would go for that.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15490) 13 years ago
I'm choking on my own rage here ...


Should I call 911 for you?


~~~~~~
The actions of these kids is deplorable.
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Posted by eeyoor (+55) 13 years ago
my only question is is why weren't the other three present at this also charge by accountability? They were just as guilty for not stopping this before or while it went on.

Also leave an innocent child out of the remarks that is so not cool to bring an unborn into this, that has nothing to do with the case and no one needed to know that he has a baby or not

[This message has been edited by eeyoor (12/10/2009)]
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Richard wrote:
Should I call 911 for you?

Let's just say I'm thankful that I'm in a different jurisdiction.

no one needed to know that he has a baby or not

Why not? Colton's feelings in this matter concern me about as much as he cared about Toasty. But if it adds to his shame, I am all for his increased discomfort. Proportionately speaking, he's getting off easy, after all.

The child isn't going to be cognizant of his father's scumbaggery for some time, so I don't have the slightest problem mentioning it.
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Posted by skoh (+334) 13 years ago
I wondered about the 3 others present too. They knew about it and did nothing?? Did they attempt to stop these horrendous actions? I think they are as guilty as the 3 boys. If they were known to be drinking underage, that should also be on their list of crimes. People who harm animals for "the fun of it" have deep seated psychological problems and need to be kept off the streets and away from society until they get the help they need - LOTS of help! I do hope they get more than the boys who shot the donkeys. It's hard to believe we have people in our society who are so disturbed. Thank you Jean Lindley for being so caring and putting forth the many hours of effort to help this poor kitty. Also, thank you to the girls who rescued the poor thing and got her the help she needed!
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Yes, thank you to the good guys in this. Dr. Lindley, you continue to rock.
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
In all seriousness ~ what would be an appropriate punishment? I would like to see them have to work off a very hefty fine, by doing something they would consider demeaning. At their age, I think to instill a realization of the heinousness of what they did, requires them to experience the disgust most of us feel for them.
Merely sitting in jail or being fined a dollar amount (which OF COURSE they'll be unable to pay) isn't going to get the message to them, nor will it serve to discourage up and coming deviant acts. However, having their peers see them wearing jailhouse jumpsuits and cleaning ditches, or the DEPOT instead of being out partying it up MIGHT spark a light of shame. Of course, that couldn't happen 'cause manual labor would be cruel and unusual punishment
Crap! This sounds like Shipley I'm done!
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
[This message has been edited by Josh Rath (5/29/2010)]
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Posted by mercy me (+132) 13 years ago
Add to the sign what crime they committed. Oh wait that might promote insult and possibly injury. Hmm
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Posted by tjz (+175) 13 years ago
I think promoting injury to the three of them is a wonderful idea! I can't believe they haven't been beaten already. They more than deserve it. People like that make me absolutely sick and I hope they get what they deserve whether it is from a courtroom or in another form. One way or another they need to see and feel how sickening and horrible what they did was. I hope that whatever happens that they are made an example out of to detour future sick minded individuals from trying to do something along the same lines.
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Posted by Bob Netherton II (+1911) 13 years ago
Merry Christmas!
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Posted by Bridgier (+9508) 13 years ago
ProtoFascistMob wrote:
I hope they get what they deserve whether it is from a courtroom or in another form


Tell us more!
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Posted by Tori (+203) 13 years ago
I have a lot of emotions going......extreme sadness for the cat and intense anger at the people that did it. I hope they get more than a slap on the wrist.
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Posted by Steve Sullivan (+1445) 13 years ago
I'm not a huge cat fan, I do like them though but this is just awful. I too am choking on my rage so I guess you'd better call 911 for me too (dial 208 first). It is beyond words to describe how awful an act this was. It makes me sad.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15490) 13 years ago
Yo, Russell: Here is Exhibit B.

Certain!
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
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Posted by Larry Flesjer (+20) 13 years ago
That is just terrible. I have to admit i love cats and have 2 that are indoor cats only. I dislike(hate is too weak of a word.) dogs but i don't go out of my way to hurt them. The next door neighbor has several dogs and if the are outside with the dogs i will pet them. I am just shocked by this. I think they all should get a felony charge for this that will stay with them forever. I hope they have to have some (years) of jail time out of this, no matter if they have family or not. Some things just shouldn't be done. There isn't any excuse or reason.
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Posted by Levi Forman (+3718) 13 years ago
This will probably be an unpopular thing to say, but am I the only one that thinks that the cat should have just been euthanized? What is the purpose of spending all the time and money and putting the cat through all that pain just so it can be a horribly disfigured cripple for a few more years?
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Posted by Bob L. (+5100) 13 years ago
I hate to say it, but I agree with Levi.
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
I do too,(agree with Levi) but I believe it was necessary for the evidence factor.
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Posted by Matt - Schmitz (+173) 13 years ago
I think a tattoo of a disfigured cat, along with the question "Ask me why I burned a cat alive?" located in a place that would be very difficult to cover would be appropriate. Having to answers questions forever would be a nice wake up call for these disgusting young men.
And for Jean. You are a saint, and there is a very special seat in Heaven waiting for you. I don't think we have ever met, but my late brother Mark told me many times over the years that you are a woman possessing exceptional character, kindness and compassion. I always thought his affection for you was well founded, but now I know without a doubt his words were true.
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Posted by LuLu (+63) 13 years ago
As long the cat is not in any pain and can lead a good life I am very glad he was saved. I am sure his owners are happy also. I have seen several 3 legged animals leading a great life.
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12614) 13 years ago
Steve was petting the cat a couple of days ago and Squirt was purring and happy. He doesn't know he's crippled. He isn't in pain. The vet considered putting him down several times but he kept purring and eating and since he didn't give up, Jean didn't and now he is back at home with his family and is doing great!

I say we remove the same body parts from the idiots who threw Squirt in fire as were removed from Squirt. One leg. One toe. No tails so that can't be done but the tip of Squirt's penis had to be amputated due to severe burns so let's make sure that is done to the "men" as well.
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Posted by mercy me (+132) 13 years ago
Purrrrrfect Matt!
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Posted by Bixby (+48) 13 years ago
Ever stop to think that if Colton can toss a helpless, innocent cat into a fire, what he could do to a helpless, innocent baby?
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Posted by mercy me (+132) 13 years ago
Big difference there Bixby. Tasteless comment.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
Bixby, we did, when I said it a few posts ago.
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Posted by eeyoor (+55) 13 years ago
I agree with some of you, but his baby deserve the respect to be left out of the spotlight, I think. I can't think of a punishment that fits this crime. I just wonder what they were thinking at the time and how awfully this was it makes me just sick. and the kids that did the donkey crime one of them is still walking the streets, how sad is that?

Maybe send them to boot camp for 6 months, see if they can handle that, lol Just a thought.

[This message has been edited by eeyoor (12/12/2009)]
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Posted by Bixby (+48) 13 years ago
Gosh, I didn't intend to be the first to make a tasteless remark on this site. Go Josh go -- still annoyed with me I see.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
To be honest Bixby, my memory is about as long as a goldfish recently. I don't remember you.
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Posted by John (+98) 13 years ago
Any chance the owners of the cat will file lawsuits against these kids for distress and whatever else thier lawyer can come up with? What about east main to recover costs?
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
mercy me wrote:
Big difference there Bixby. Tasteless comment.

No, it's not a big difference. Colton has already proven he can be cruel and stupid (and proud of his cruelty and stupidity). Many people who are cruel to animals are also abusive to people, especially children.

It's not tasteless; it's uncomfortable. But that doesn't make it untrue.

If you want to be mad at someone, be mad AT THE PERSON WHO THREW A CAT INTO A FIRE, not someone who suggested that a person who is capable of such a thing might also be capable of other forms of cruelty.

Matt - excellent idea.

Levi - I once had a cat who had been burned by some kids prior to her adoption by my family. Suzi-cat wasn't as grievously injured as Squirt, but she was permanently scarred. She was very loved and lived a long and happy life after recovering from her injuries.

If a person's cruelty can be put under the spotlight, the generosity and caring of others (such as Dr. Lindley) can, too.

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (12/12/2009)]
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Posted by tjh (+134) 13 years ago
I don't think colton would throw a baby in the fire! Colton, Ty, and Cory, are all kids that I knew when I was growing up. Ty, was a country kid who wass fun to be around, smart, and an all around nice guy. Although he came from a pretty messy childhood. Cory, he was a little diffrent, but still a good kid, though later in life you could see he was going down the wrong road. Cory came from a REALLY messed up childhood. Lastly Colton, if I recall he was raised by his grand parents since he was a young boy, untill they were divorced when he was a 5th grader I beleive, and as I recall that's when he started down a bad road.

Yes all of these boys (not men, not even young men) came from a bad child hood. Which is no excuse, but I want people to stop and think about what might've been going on in their lives, maybe they killed these animals as a release, rather then another person, or themselves.

I know all of these boys have alot of growing up to do and a lot to learn in life. But I beleive once they have time to get away from their lives and try to staighten out a bit they will all be good people.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
tjh, that is a good thought. I could see that.
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Posted by Steve Craddock (+2737) 13 years ago
I want people to stop and think about what might've been going on in their lives


I agree with Josh on this - excellent point. Even this is a moment for us to reflect and realize that "there but for the grace of God go I." It's very difficult to admit, but these boys could be you or me given different circumstances in our lives. I don't believe that evil is born - at least not in the majority of cases. I do believe it can be slapped, kicked, beaten, burned, raped and yelled into anyone if done the right wrong way. It's why so many young people who go into prison come out worse, not better, people.

maybe they killed these animals as a release, rather then another person, or themselves.


Here's where I disagree. Studies in this area indicate that animal cruelty is not a release, it's more like an apprenticeship. A person who inflicts such cruelty on defenseless animals is very likely to graduate to commiting acts of violence and torture against humans in future years.

As for punishment, someone posted the key question in an above post: What IS an appropriate punishment for someone who would throw a live and loving pet into a fire?

My hope is that a punishment can be found that will both tell these boys they can't do something like this and expect to continue living in freedom, while at the same time helping them understand that there are better ways to release their anger while simultaneously helping them achieve some level of forgiveness and functionality in their lives.

Some of you may think that's too much to ask for. I think it's the only thing to ask for. Simple and empty punishment won't do a damn thing to reduce the chance of these boys doing something like this again. And humiliating punishment will only fuel the angry fires that drove these boys to commit this heinous act in the first place, making it even more likely that they one day will do something even worse.

If they're only shown another road to disappointment and ruin, they'll surely take it. BUT - If they're given an opportunity to take a path that leads to a better life - maybe they'll take it.

It's a risk, true. But if these were your kids, wouldn't you want them to have a chance?
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 13 years ago
Although I think jail time is warranted for this crime I also think that these boys need some intensive psychological counselling. If tjh's post is accurate they've all had difficult childhoods and obviously have had some extensive abuse or neglect throughout. Any punishment should include a psych evaluation and appropriate counselling.
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Posted by Steve Craddock (+2737) 13 years ago
Wendy, I heartily agree. And once again, you have proven that what takes me 5 or 6 paragraphs to say can be said much better in simply one. Bravo!
************
BTW: It's counseling. Sorry, but how often does a chance to correct the Wendinator come along....
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12614) 13 years ago
Realistically, these kids need major help. Taking pleasure from the torture of animals often is the first step to taking pleasure in torturing human beings. They definitely need to be removed from society for a time and given all the help that can be given. Then, they should be watched, very carefully, for a long time to come, because this kind of behavior is hard to change and they may be a genuine danger to others.
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Posted by Levi Forman (+3718) 13 years ago
I think we're getting really, carried away here. Everyone understands that this is a cat right, not a baby? Frankly, teenage boys torturing and killing cats is not particularly unusual. I knew multiple kids that did it when I was in school. I never participated, but I heard them brag about it the next day just like these guys. None of them grew up to be serial killers and I'm sure most of them feel bad about what they did now if they think about it. I don't think jail time or electroshock therapy would have done them any good and I doubt it would these guys either. I'm not condoning this or saying that it is in any way acceptable, but put down the torches and pitchforks.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Levi wrote:
but put down the torches and pitchforks.

Why? A pitchfork is the perfect accessory for any kitty barbecue/fondue.

Seriously, though ... I don't think anyone is saying that any of them would throw a baby into a fire, Levi.

What is being said is that a person capable of finding joy in being cruel to another living being - even if it's "just" a cat - is likely capable of being abusive to a child.

And, of course, it is possible to be abusive to a child without actually throwing said child into a fire.

Regardless, I really don't care all that much whether one of them knocked up lovingly and responsibly conceived a child on the wings of pure love, sunshine and rainbows with some chick who had the wits about her to get impregnated by someone who ... thought it would be fun to throw a cat in a frakking fire.

On the "bright" side, maybe the unborn child will grow up following in his/her father's footsteps ... and will have a perfect excuse for why s/he thought it was acceptable to do something similiar. "But I had a tough childhood, so it's okay for me to put puppies in the microwave ..."

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (12/12/2009)]
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Posted by Steve Craddock (+2737) 13 years ago
Levi, I'm not sure we're on the same wavelength or not on this one, but I think we are...

I don't think the concerns raised by Amorette can be taken lightly. The correlation between animal abuse in teenage years and violent crime / abusive relationships in later years is pretty well documented.

Is it a 100% cause/effect correlation? No.

Is it cause for concern? You betcha!

But my biggest concern is that the punishments being advocated by some (most) of the posts on this thread, if carried out, would make it MORE likely, not less, that future irresponsible, anti-social acts would be committed by these kids / semi-adults. Two wrongs don't make a right. Punishment is called for, true. But if it's possible to combine punishment with something that will get these boys STARTED down a better path, then for God's sake let's do it.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
There's nothing wrong with shame (if fighting fire with fire isn't possible).
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Posted by Tori (+203) 13 years ago
Amorette,

I completely agree with your post. Thank you for saying it better than, I believe, anyone else could have. Tori
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Posted by Tori (+203) 13 years ago
[This message has been edited by Tori (12/13/2009)]
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
Finally! Man, you guys took an awful lot of threads to come around to coddling these poor, poor underprivileged youths Having to grow up in the slums without food, shoes and running water surely took its toll. Wish I could think of someone to blame for my "too numerous to list" short comings ..
I will agree that most available options of correction would only serve to make them angrier at society ~ and jail time is just another burden on taxpayers. Although it was suggested jokingly by someone earlier, perhaps the boot camp approach isn't an all together bad idea. Counseling is wonderful, if the person being counseled WANTS to change. There again, who's going to pay for that?
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 13 years ago
Steve said (with delight):

BTW: It's counseling. Sorry, but how often does a chance to correct the Wendinator come along....


Rats, I knew I should have double checked that. The noun form is spelled with one -l whereas the verb form may be spelled with either one or two. My Webster's makes that distinction but my Random House does not. Guess I must be slipping.
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
I hope I speak for the majority when I say we forgive you, and keep up the good work

Wendy Wilson: Fighting illiteracy one thread at a time!
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Posted by Christen LeBlanc Ramsey (+277) 13 years ago
i know it was previously mentioned, however, i think that community service at the animal shelter would be a good 'punishment.' (if they would be allowed to do so considering their crime.)

also, it was never said but do any of these jerks have pets themselves?
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Posted by David Schott (+18536) 13 years ago
Apparently the sentence for "aggravated animal cruelty" in Montana is a fine not to exceed $2500.00 or be sentenced to the Dept. of Corrections for up to 2 years, or both. In addition the judge could require paying for veterinary care and boarding of the animal(s) and could require forfeiture of animals or restrict ownership of animals (blah, blah).

This site summarizes it:

http://straypetadvocacy.o...ml#Montana

Here's the state code:

http://data.opi.state.mt....-8-211.htm
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Posted by Smiley (+853) 13 years ago
Trevor Yates beat up my Husband's Brother for abolutely no reason. (HE might of had a reason, but still my B-I-L didn't fight back.)
I think one of these kids has

Antisocial Personality Disorder
SYMPTOMS
This disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people's rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. This pattern of behavior has occurred since age 15 (although only adults 18 years or older can be diagnosed with this disorder) and consists by the presence of the majority of these symptoms:

failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest

deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure

impulsivity or failure to plan ahead

irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults

reckless disregard for safety of self or others

consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations

lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

Sociopaths usually start by torturing animals.

But in reality, these kids need help.
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Posted by retropotato (+8) 13 years ago
I THINK FRIED KITTY LIKE TASTES LIKE CHICKEN.


THEY DID A GOOD THING HERE


I LIKE LEARNING


COLLEGE SUCKS


FAT PEOPLE RULE
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Posted by retropotato (+8) 13 years ago
Fat people do rule, retropotato. Now please provide nude pictures.


Also, mention his GOD DAMN PROCREATEING BABY he's going to do some unusual things to your faces.

ALSO, IT WAS BY ACCOUNTABILITY YOU LOSERS.
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Posted by retropotato (+8) 13 years ago
If you're reading this get back on skype man.

>_< I just had to restart
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Oh, retropotato ... we'll hardly have a chance go get to know ye.
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Posted by Bob L. (+5100) 13 years ago
Retropotato = Internet Tough Guy



[This message has been edited by Bob L. (12/14/2009)]
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Speaking of nude pictures ...

Your MOM tastes like chicken, retropotato.

Internet Tough Guy wrote:
Also, mention his GOD DAMN PROCREATEING BABY he's going to do some unusual things to your faces.

Bring it. You know my name, Cap'n Accountibility Anonymity.

His baby has a douchebag for a baby-daddy.

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (12/14/2009)]
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Posted by Lorin Dixson (+590) 13 years ago
I thought she tasted like fish.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Chicken of the Sea ...
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
Brian, I just lol'ed out loud when I read you saying "Bring it."
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15490) 13 years ago
Josh: Please don't feed the troll.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
Awweehhh! I wanted to feed the animals!
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
We can feed the troll with a stick-poking.
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Posted by Kelly (+2854) 13 years ago
At least one, and maybe all, of the young men who threw the cat into the fire, will be in court (courthouse, not city hall) tomorrow morning (Jan 5th) at 11:00 am. I think I'll go watch to see how this plays out. Hope you can be there too.
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
Is the hearing open to the public?
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Posted by Laura Sevier (+1827) 13 years ago
I think it is open to the public
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 13 years ago
If it's a court proceeding it is usually open to the public unless the judge rules otherwise. But he has to have a valid reason to protect either the privacy of the victim or the defendant. Don't think it applies in this case. The defendants have been in the news already and I don't suppose the cat cares.
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 13 years ago
Hope a lot of animal lovers show up for the hearing to show the judge how egregious this act truly was...I absolutely would be there if possible!!
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18476) 13 years ago
Off topic.....but does anyone else think "Cat Justice" would be a great name for a stripper?
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 13 years ago
I can see it, Gunnar..but wouldn't it be a male stripper?
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15490) 13 years ago
I assume said stripper would be a "pole cat".
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Posted by Shu (+1800) 13 years ago
Cat Justice...hmmm...dressed like Cat Woman with the ears and black leather and all...hmmm...and a whip...hmmm...

...OOPS! Er, uh, yeah - send these boys to prison!
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Posted by Kelly (+2854) 13 years ago
I just got back from the arraignment. As expected, all 3 defendants plead "not guilty." No date has yet been set for further proceedings. There were about 18 people there to watch.
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 13 years ago
Sounds like a good turnout...Perhaps the judge noticed it...Sure hope so!!
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Let's just skip to the stick-poking and eyeball-tasing, shall we?
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Posted by Leah Burkhart (+19) 13 years ago
I was as enraged as the rest of Miles City! However...I think everyone needs to understand that EVERY PERSON ALIVE HAS DONE SOMETHING TERRIBLE! I am not condoning the behavior, but something DOES need to be cleared up...those boys were never bragging about it. Being close to one of the defendants I can tell you he condemns his , and has a hard time living with what he did. I think some forgiveness would be in order.
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Posted by Smiley (+853) 13 years ago
No one has posted since january about it.... so why are you bringing it up again?
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Posted by guylong (+98) 13 years ago
leah, the cat was unfortunately put down. as a close friend of one of these defendants, maybe you could enlighten us on how it went for these cowardly fellas?
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Posted by C.Kee (+370) 13 years ago
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear the cat had to be put down after everything it went through. I'll get slaughtered for saying positive or negative......but for once, I hope the Judge makes an example. Like the donkeys, nothing......like the cat.......the next case? Yea, we've all done things growing up. I can live with the things I've done which include NEVER being mean to an defenseless animal that only wants to give unconditonal love. Okay, let the slaughter begin; I've had my short say.
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Posted by cubby (+2678) 13 years ago
That's a pretty bold statement saying that everybody has done something like these kids did. I for one can say I have never done anything close to that growing up. As for forgivness your barking up the wrong tree if your looking for it from me imo
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Posted by Smiley (+853) 13 years ago
I also can say that I have done A LOT of wrong things, but the fact is that these kids DID this, got caught, are probably only remorseful because they got caught. If they cared about the cat, they wouldn't have done it. If they were goin gto regret it, they would have come forward. IMO they are just pretending to care now that everyone knows what they have done.
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Posted by OE (+33) 13 years ago
I agree with cubby. That is a VERY bold statement to say that everyone alive has doen something terrible. I do not claim to be any patron saint, but I can say I for one have never and will never do anything like what those boys did to that cat. Never has any thought remotely close to anything like that ever even crossed my mind!

Maybe they are remorseful but that does not change what they did. Its not just something silly that people sometimes do and then they say after the fact, "man, that was dumb" and move on with life. Its something despicable, inhuman, indecent, and borderline demonic. Anybody that really thinks there's the slightest thing decent with what they did or that it was just the act of foolish kids needs their head examined. I'm not a psychologist but there's something going on there in the minds of people who do something like what they did.

Forgiveness will not come from this avenue. EVER.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15490) 13 years ago
I know this is just me... but I find it ironic that some who have expressed outrage over the horrible death of a cat, are expressing an opinion that the death (abortion) of a unborn baby (personhood thread) is okay. It seems so conflicted.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (4/12/2010)]
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Posted by Smiley (+853) 13 years ago
I think it's funny that someone here is SO against a woman's right to choose. I guess I'll go stand by the oven now. Does a woman getting an abortion effect you at all Richard??? I know it doesn't effect me in any way, shape, or form. It's her choice, so why am I going to let that effect me? Are you going to go shoot an abortion doctor and claim you were protecting the lives of innocent babies???
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr (+15490) 13 years ago
Are you going to go shoot an abortion doctor and claim you were protecting the lives of innocent babies???


No, that is murder.

And I am pro-choice and believe that all women should be pro-choice. It's just that "the choice" comes prior to conception, not after. Choose wisely. In this day and age, there is no reason for a women to become pregnant unless it was her and her "significant others"choice. Choose to be responsible for your actions.
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Posted by Denise Selk (+1664) 13 years ago
In this day and age, there is no reason for a women to become pregnant unless it was her and her "significant others"choice


Whoa. Maybe revise that statement a little bit Richard. It's harsh and patently untrue. What about rape and incest?

These two scenarios are the stumbling blocks for a lot of people in the pro-choice/pro-life debate.
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Posted by K. D. (+375) 13 years ago
leah, the cat was unfortunately put down.


Unless "Toasty" has died since then, one or two months ago "Toasty" was still alive, and healthy so to speak.

[This message has been edited by K. D. (4/13/2010)]
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Posted by Bridgier (+9508) 13 years ago
the death (abortion) of a unborn baby (personhood thread) is okay. It seems so conflicted.


I don't think anyone's saying it's "okay" - but circumstances may render it as an option which falls on a scale somewhere between elective and necessary. The true question is: who makes that judgement? The woman who has to live with the results of that choice, or someone whose only involvement is standing from afar and saying "You must do this, you must do that"?

As for the cat - I don't think there's any ambiguity or extenuating circumstance that needs to be weighed that would make this a hard moral choice.
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Posted by john w caylor (+83) 13 years ago
Bridger & Denise think you guys are on the wrong post?
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Posted by Bridgier (+9508) 13 years ago
Don't blame us... Richard started it.

At least I mentioned the cat
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 13 years ago
So Leah, I have done something as bad as them? Hah. Yeah, sure. The worst thing I have ever done is not even near the extreme stupidness of that. Throwing a living being into a bonfire is not just bad, it is sadistic. Whomever did do it does deserve jail time in my opinion.
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Posted by Denise Selk (+1664) 13 years ago
Bridgier's right John. Scold Richard if you want. He derailed the thread. We were just responding to his (outlandish) statements. Bad Richard, bad.
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Posted by john w caylor (+83) 13 years ago
My Apologies no scolding intended just an observation.
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Posted by john w caylor (+83) 13 years ago
I might be wrong but if memory serves me this characteristic at a young age has been linked to some of the worst murderers in recent history? As far as any sympathy it brings back to mind what was said to many times in boot camp "If your looking for sympathy boots it's in the dictionary between sh** and syphilis".I personaly feel that if they woudn't have been caught they would have 0 remorse for what they did.
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Posted by mab (+3) 13 years ago
Just so that everyone is clear squirt is still very much alive!
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Posted by 1337h4x0r (+2) 13 years ago
You procreateing rednecks are being irrational. Colton Nielsen didn't kill a human, he didn't sacrifice a small goat; he got a little drunk and messed with a cat. Now, are you pieces of poop honestly going to sit there and tell me when you're wasted you have 100% complete control of what you do? No, you don't. If you were an 18 year old boy in a town in the midle of bumprocreate nowhere you'd want to get wasted aswell. You people need to grow up and get the procreate over it. It was a CAT. It wasn't your sister, it wasn't uncle Jeb, it was a cat (also, you guys find no irony in the new owners naming it "Toasty"? Hypocritical scumbags). A CAT. Let me reiterate that ONE MORE TIME... A CAT. The fact that you all seem to be stuck up over a CAT proves you people have a meaningless existance. Your god is false, your lives are meaningless, and you all work for the machine. Enjoy being a statistic.
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Posted by 1337h4x0r (+2) 13 years ago
Procreating / Procreate = F*CK
Poop = SH*T
etc
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Anonymous coward says what now?

I've been a drunk 18 year old boy in the middle of nowhere. At no time have I ever even thought of torturing a cat to get my kicks. Never did I have the slightest inkling that my friends would accept my actions if I did.

Your friend is a piece of dung until he proves otherwise. He - and you, apparently - are as far beneath the average person as he thought the cat was below him. By your logic, I should be free to set him on fire. Can I borrow a match?

You're right - a cat isn't a human. But neither is a person who would roast a living creature for fun. Being drunk doesn't make it "okay." It only makes him more pathetic.

Lame-assed excuses, rationaliziations and anonymous rants won't elevate his standing in the community. Owning up to his mistake and realizing that cruelty isn't cool MIGHT.

But if you're his guide to redemption, he's boned. Feel free to disagree if you can summon the stones to come out from behind your anonymity. Coward.

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (5/28/2010)]
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Posted by C.Kee (+370) 13 years ago
What I wouldn't give to throw his juvenile sounding mouth and ass into a fire and then we could call him "Toasty" instead of the stupid name he goes by....COWARD. He has to be one of the guys that is involved with the cat incident trying to ease his guilt. Wait till he grows up, has kids, and wonders someday if there are sick bastards like him that are going to snatch them.....
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Posted by C.Kee (+370) 13 years ago
Very well wrote Brian; thank you
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Posted by C.Kee (+370) 13 years ago
Plea Bargain GUILTY......SICK of reading how people say they didn't do it right up to trial, then plea bargain out. Animals have no rights; very clear.

What is clear....anyone want to go on animal killing sprees.....hell, get drunk, shoot 'em while they stand and expect to be petted, pick them while they expect to be petted and throw them in a fire....it's okay, plea bargain and walk out. I AM SICK!!!!

[This message has been edited by C.Kee (5/28/2010)]
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
Thanks, C.

I like how we're "procreating rednecks" because we don't like the idea of a living cat being immolated. Since when have rednecks been associated with animal rights?

That doesn't even make sense.

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Posted by CCT (+18) 13 years ago
i think u guys a puthetic for talking to much crap on here it's a freaking cat u act like its a bunch of people. it's not the end of the world. plus talking bout the humane thing keeping it alive is not humane. everyone makes mistakes. its not ur problem. get over it!!!
past is the past leave them alone and mind ur own bisness.
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18476) 13 years ago
These anonymous losers posting in this thread display a real sad side of Miles City.

Defending cat torturers, now that is pathetic.
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Posted by Steve Allison (+975) 13 years ago
One thing to keep in mind as you try and justify what these boys did, rather a lot of sociopaths, like carrier criminals, murderers and serial killers started by torturing animals as a youth. Failure to connect with the pain you cause an animal is symptomatic of failure to connect to humanity.
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Posted by Bruce Helland (+592) 13 years ago
Sad to see such a disconnect with reality from these people
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Posted by cubby (+2678) 13 years ago
Wow is all I have to say to all of these people tring to defend these boys. Open your procreating eyes and see the whole procreating picture here they did wrong and should get punished accordingly
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 13 years ago
These anonymous losers posting in this thread display a real sad side of Miles City


Damn right, Gunnar! What an atrocious lack of orthography.
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Posted by Smiley (+853) 13 years ago
Tell me anonymous losers, what is the worst thing a cat can do to you?
Scratch your eye out? Make you bleed a tad bit? Give you worms if they poop in your sandbox? Oh, allergies, those can be pretty bad. I HIGHLY doubt a cat can tell you "Hey, please don't throw me into this flaming pit of doom. I have kittens I'm feeding and I think it will hurt a lot." Cats probably don't even think that much, but they DO feel pain, just as much as a human can. Cats are very independent, and they each have their own personality, much like humans. I doubt you will EVER find a cat that hates a human so much that it will try and burn it alive.

A cat is an innocent animal, a cute animal, and a kind animal. They are loved by their owners.

At the very least, even if you HATE cats, you can agree that it is wrong to inflict pain on another living being. I mean, you can agree if you are a sane person. Like someone else here said, serial killers, murderers, and sociopaths (now known as anti-social personality disorder) start by hurting innocent animals

Criteria -
# Persistent lying or stealing
# Apparent lack of remorse[3] or empathy for others
# Cruelty to animals[4]

.... It in the medical books!! It was just a cat though.....
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12614) 13 years ago
I was drunk, man. I'm a bored teenager and I was drunk. That excuses, like, everything! I was bored, dude! What else could I do but get blasted and torture some innocent animals. I had, like, nothing else to do.
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Posted by Steve Sullivan (+1445) 13 years ago
Anyone with any stones (balls) when drunk and given the option would have thrown themselves into the fire. That is the true measure of a man. Not a really smart man, but one the world can be proud of instead of horribly ashamed of.
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Posted by Frank Hardy (+1721) 13 years ago
YEAH!!!!..........umm....huh?

FH
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Posted by Bob Netherton II (+1911) 13 years ago
Dear poop eating motherprocreateing nutless worm brained chickenpoop slime ball knob sucking mouth breathing degenerate neanderthal numb nut brainless dumb ass drunken losers. Being drunk is an excuse for NOTHING! If you can't handle your procreateing booze...quit drinking you
poop eating motherprocreateing nutless worm brained chickenpoop slime ball knob sucking mouth breathing degenerate neanderthal numb nut brainless dumb ass drunken losers.

My apologies go to any other poop eating motherprocreateing nutless worm brained chickenpoop slime ball knob sucking mouth breathing degenerate neanderthal numb nut brainless dumb ass drunken losers who may have been offended by these poop eating motherprocreateing nutless worm brained chickenpoop slime ball knob sucking mouth breathing degenerate neanderthal numb nut brainless dumb ass drunken losers actions.
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Posted by Bob Netherton II (+1911) 13 years ago
Procreating / Procreate = F*CK
Poop = SH*T
1337h4x0r = poop eating motherprocreateing nutless worm brained chickenpoop slime ball knob sucking mouth breathing degenerate neanderthal numb nut brainless dumb ass drunken loser...in case there's any confusion.
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Posted by Jeff Denton (+757) 13 years ago
This story has been discussed far and wide since it happened. Once for a whole hour on our local talk radio, with lots of opinion phoned in. 500 miles away.
I remember how I wished we had something fun and constructive to do. But somehow we got by. Without cell phones and video games and satellite TV. We didn't even have skateboards. No meth or heroin or MP3s. Bummer but you should hear my parent's and grandparents' stories...
It must have never occurred to us that throwing cats in bonfires could get us off. We had cats and bonfires and beer and pot and dirt bikes and hot rods. All in one place sometimes. We didn't kill anybody or anything.
So, I wonder, did most of us have more and better parenting than lots of kids now? Some of the methods weren't real lenient, and are now illegal, but I am certain that a lot of problems are caused by lack of parenting- then and now but more so now.
Another thing we had was a pretty cool police department. Some cops were the respected parents of friends. Others were just totally cool people, gently offering us chances to rethink our behavior at times. I'll never forget that, it was one of those things I did like about your town. I hope Miles City still has some of that, I don't know.
I still hope the community somehow gets a fantastic year-round recreational facility. An adequate percentage of its citizens deserve it, most of them need it, but I doubt very many really understand what a difference it could make in their lives. To prove I'm still on topic, I'll finish with "Who knows, the life it saves could be your cat's".
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Posted by Dave Golterman (+237) 13 years ago
I feel sorry for the pets owned by CCT. I clicked his screen name to see what other garbage he had written and found his posting from last year looking for a rental:

http://milescity.com/foru...204#107204
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Posted by C.Kee (+370) 13 years ago
SCARY
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6125) 13 years ago
I don't think CCT wants a place with pets because he has any of his own. He's looking for easily-accessible targets.
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Posted by mckee (+383) 13 years ago
I also know these boys, and I know for a fact that they called and texted threats to an witness to this stupid crime. I don't care what anyone says being drunk is not an EXCUSE for anything. They're monsters, and it bothers me that one of these boys has dogs and a baby. The two letters to the editor in the Star last week, I agree with Deb Kirkwood but the other letter from Leah Burkhart made no sense to me, she rambled on and on about humanity, Miles City citizens show to Animals, going on about the animal shelter (although I do agree that it could be better) and on about hunt of wolves with babies. It just went on and on with quotes etc. Finally saying these boys made a mistake, a mistake my b--t. NO MISTATE just stupidity, inmaturity and just plain Mean.
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Posted by Tracy Walters (+296) 12 years ago
http://www.billingsgazett...03286.html

Seems like they could have fined these guys too, not just cover the vet bill.
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12614) 12 years ago
The article was front page on the Star and on their website. Over $5,000 might make the point, though. Maybe. Sociopaths are hard to teach.
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Posted by Steve Allison (+975) 12 years ago
If you read the whole story it explains this was just a restitution hearing. The sentencing will be the 30th of next month.
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Posted by Mandyrosy (+195) 12 years ago
And the plea agreement does include a fine. I know it's tough, but you do get more information if you read the whole story...
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Posted by Tracy Walters (+296) 12 years ago
Yes...I read the whole article ... I was just commenting though.

Thanks for the constructive criticism.
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Posted by David Schott (+18536) 12 years ago
I don't think the Gazette story makes it clear that a fine will be imposed in addition to the restitution.

I think these guys should be required to pay the vet bill, pay for any future veterinary care the cat needs that might be related to the cat's injuries, and buy Fancy Feast for "Squirt" for the rest of Squirt's life. In addition these two should be required to abstain from consuming alcohol or any illegal drugs for the duration of their deferred sentence and they should be required to pay for and attend alcohol counseling.
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Posted by Mandyrosy (+195) 12 years ago
The story on the Gazette's website was just a brief from the Associated Press based on the full story in the Star. For the whole story, read:
http://www.milescitystar....php#story3
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Posted by Steve Allison (+975) 12 years ago
I guess I should have said the entire Star story.
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Posted by Dave Golterman (+237) 12 years ago
When do we get to read the letters of apology from these mutts that were ordered by the judge?
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Posted by Frank Cory (+237) 12 years ago
<Ever stop to think that if Colton can toss a helpless, innocent cat into a fire, what he could do to a helpless, innocent baby?>


Yes...lets speak of innocent babies for a minute.
My my my...we got an angry crowd out there today! Hmmmmm what is it that has folks so darn indignant here! No we don't ever throw helpless innocent human babies into a bonfire. Thats too humane.....good upstanding citizens we are. Instead we rip them from their mothers womb..but not before crushing their skulls first. And think of it! We actually pay lots of money to get the job done!

I wonder how many who are so indignant about this cat would EVER raise their voice in protest of the human slaughter of not just one, but the hundreds of human children who, daily, never see the light of day?

They say cancer is also "progressive"....and it seems to affect our minds as well as our bodies. But...never mind...we see what we want to see, eh?
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Posted by David Schott (+18536) 12 years ago
"Frank", do you really expect to win people over with such a cynical post?
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Posted by Frank Cory (+237) 12 years ago
<Frank", do you really expect to win people over with such a cynical post?>

Oh...is that what this is all about..."winning over"? Got it. No...I wont win anyone over who is afraid to admit that he/she already knows abortion is murder. Just aint agoin to happen. Was hoping to find a few honest souls though who would admit at least a minimum of difference between a silly cat and a human being. Then again...perhaps it is true.."a cat is a pig is a dog is a boy", eh?

Wasn't trying to be cynical, cute or entertaining either. Sarcastic perhaps, but certainly not cynical.
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Posted by Josh Rath (+2324) 12 years ago
Ok. If we are going to use the forum lets use it right. The Quote system is EXTREMELY easy to use. Read about it and use it. BAH
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Posted by Smiley (+853) 12 years ago
Frank, I'm assuming your a male. Till you get a vagina, uterus, cervix, and ovaries don't tell me what I should do with mine. Just saying.
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Posted by Bridgier (+9508) 12 years ago
It's good to see that the ranter Frank is back.
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Posted by Frank Cory (+237) 12 years ago
<Frank, I'm assuming your a male. Till you get a vagina, uterus, cervix, and ovaries don't tell me what I should do with mine. Just saying.>

let me get this right.... You don't want anyone telling you its not right to kill an unborn child. Is that it? Yes I can see why you are so incensed. Ok...its ok..I mean we all have the right to deny life to those who can't defend themselves, especially if it puts a crimp in our hedonism, right? Just saying, of course.
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18476) 12 years ago


Cat Justice sez:

"I want my polethread back!!!"
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